112

KATE-ELLICE Manvers-JEALOUSY.

to bestow any of the attention she received upon her reserved and, we all judged, haughty, exclusive sister. Towards the conclusion of our first fortnight at school, however, an occurrence, rare in our well-governed and quiet institution, startled the Northern pupils into a respect and attention to Ellice, while the Southern ones opened their dark eyes in a kind of indolent surprise. We were sitting in class; a long and tedious recitation had just been commenced, when word was brought that little Edith Manvers was seized with a sudden illness, and by the physician's order had been removed to her room. The attendant further added that Madame required Miss Manvers presence as soon as possible. Miss Seymour, our dignified and stern monitress, said collectedly to the messenger, 'You should have delayed this information until the class was dismissed. Miss Manvers may go to her sister when the recitation is ended. doubtless in very good hands.'

The child is

And presum

ing her decision to be unquestioned, Miss Seymour proceeded with her examination.

"For one moment the hands laid upon the

book in Ellice's lap met in a tight clasp; the next, the book fell to the floor, and she stood erect and resolute before the lady.

"Miss Seymour will be kind enough to allow me to go immediately to my sister.'

"Her tone and look were almost those of command, although her eyes' haughty glance was belied by the quivering of her lip, which even her stern pride could not wholly subdue. Miss Seymour looked up at the speaker in surprise, then merely bowed her head in token of assent, and Ellice with a swift step left the

room.

"After school duties were over I sought Madame Merillat in order to ask permission to assist Ellice in watching beside her sister, and. while I waited in an ante-room I accidentally overheard the physician who was with Madame say to her, 'Rest assured I shall do all that lies in my power; but duty compels me to inform you that never, in long years of practice, have I known an instance of a patient, young and delicate as Miss Manvers' sister, recovering from so violent and prostrating a fever as this gives token of becoming.

If

+

114

KATE-ELLICE MANVERS JEALOUSY.

there was any strength of constitution to depend upon-'

66

'But I listened for no more. I gained the now deserted school-room, seated myself at my desk, and thought of Ellice, and an overwhelming feeling of grief and pity filled my heart. I had watched her in secret so well, discovering in my scrutiny beautiful traits in her character, beside her great love for Edith, that in a degree I overlooked her repellent manner, and while I admired, longed to be permitted to love her also. Now, although I shuddered at the prospect of death taking from among us one so generally beloved as Edith, my mind dwelt most upon Ellice. Who could comfort her? I had learned from one of the teachers that she and Edith were orphans. If-for the physician's words seemed to me prophetic-Edith indeed were taken, what a desolation life would be to Ellice.

"Voices and approaching footsteps roused me, and seeking Madame Merillat, I obtained permission to assist Ellice in watching beside Edith's sick-bed. On reaching our room I found Ellice with her face buried in her

hands, kneeling beside her sister's couch. She either did not hear or heed my entrance, and as I remained unnoticed near her, I longed inexpressibly to be able to speak some words of comfort, but the recollection of what I had overheard the physician say prevented me. Edith was indeed seriously ill, and that Ellice was aware of this I knew, for she raised her head often and looked anxiously at her, speaking, as she did so, tender and soothing words to the little sufferer. At length she perceived me, and bowed with a faint smile of greeting. I approached and said in a low, earnest tone, 'I hope, Miss Manvers, you will not object to my sharing in your watch.'

'For an instant she looked surprised; the next, her hand was held out and met mine in a warm clasp. From that moment, Bessie, I date our friendship.

"Night after night Ellice and I watched together. Restlessly tossing or moaning with pain and thirst, Edith was insensible to even her sister's tender words. Sleep as token of change for the better was watched for in vain, and I saw that Ellice every hour was becom

ing more nervously anxious and terrified. I could not endure to look upon her grief-worn face. Its expression of utter misery wrung forth tears which I hurriedly concealed, lest, perceiving them, she should imagine me weeping over some alarming change in Edith. A week passed and the fair child grew no better. Our one prayer, that blessed sleep might come, became hourly more desponding. The weary ache at our hearts grew worse as we looked in the physician's face each day in vain for a ray of hope, until at length Ellice herself ceased to watch for his step, but quietly gave place to him as he approached her sister's couch. It was evident she had relinquished all hope, and her worn appearance, as she stood or sat down in her silent, despairing attendance upon the sick-bed, alarmed all who saw her. At length, one evening, in taking a step or two from Edith's couch, she staggered and would have fallen had I not sprung to her assistance. I led her to a sofa, lying upon which she could look at Edith, and compelling her to lie down, I went to the table for a glass of water. As I poured it out a